Actually, listening to Rishaug just changed my mind. I think he is right.

TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS

1. Injuries 2. Not Justified giving him a raise, and long term is a big risk considering Eberle, RNH, Hall, and Probably Murray (if pans out) will require 6+ mill a year (on the conservative side)

Oh and that elite 2nd centerman you want isnt going to cost only 2.25 mil. With oilersnation expectations of a second line center look to pay him around 4.5 to 5.

Can Horcoff and Hemsky just switch contracts?

How good would it be if our top six forward all player good at the same time. and Horcoff was properly slotted as a 3rd line penalty kill guy.

Reasonable to him or the team? Those are two different numbers.

Are you kidding me? Track record speaks for itself on the injury front. Why would anyone bet 5M per year on that changing. I agree on the draft pick, but if he can be a part of bringing a bonafide top D-man, why wouldn't you trade a band-aid? He's a nice guy and all, but judge on points per year, not points per healthy game played.

Let me ask you this what has Hemsky showed since 07-08 that would led you to believe that he'll be a PPG player over 80 games? Heck make it 70 as he played 74 that year.

As I see the the future of this young Oil team, still miss size in the top six. Getting someone with size and skill and grit of course is tough but Hemmer? I like him but it is that time in his career he expands on his role, I still think he would be good on the PK if he wanted to play there.

Who has Tambo's email address? There has to be some way to get through to these fat cats! How do you not even have discussions with a top 6 RW?!

Tambi has to at least offer him a contract, why would we get rid of a top 6 winger just so next year we can be dying to have one. You gotta at least see what a guy like Hemsky expects in a deal.

Maybe he is too focused on getting his own money.

This is the same Hemsky that leaves practice early ? Same top 6 forward that hasn't had a top 6 season in three years. 4 goal !!! I believe Steve knows what Hemsky wants (length and $) and it's smart to wait to see what the offers will be before signing him if he feels it's right for the team.

Omark is not as good and is unproven... He hasn't done anything to show he's a top 6 forward in the NHL... He's also coming off of a broken ankle. That's a huge risk in assuming Omark might fit that role...

We still don't have the depth in our top six to trade Hemmer... And I've been on record before saying that I'd sign Hemmer to a 2 year $4.5 - $5.0 million dollar/year deal... When healthy and granted a big IF, he'd be a spectacular complementary player... Now - if we could somehow get another top-4 d-man for him (which I doubt), then I'm all for considering a trade...

Hemsky for Nikolai Kulemin.

I think management should have at least asked Hemmer what he's looking to get out of a deal. However, I agree that they should hold off on making him an offer, just to see what other GM's are willing to offer and compare that with Hemmer's request.

Sam Gagner for Martin Hanzal

Hemsky for Nikolai Kulemin

I would be happy.

So why not trade him for the best and brightest shiny new bobbles and then on July 1st when he becomes a UFA (presumably) we make him an offer.

If I'm Tambo, evaluating Omark's recovery between now and the deadline will be a huge factor on what I offer Hemsky.

Agreed DMan on Omark and I did state that the "naysayers" would say he has proven nothing.. but Gags was the same till he played with Hall and Ebs last night... if he doesn't play with those two.. he doesn't get 8 points.. its all in the people you play with as well... If you had RNH-Ebs-? and Gagner-Hall-? and you put Omark in either of the "?" positions.. I 110% guarantee you that Omark would get the points... Hall, Ebs, and RNH make everyone around them that much better....

Um, OK.

So where in Gregor's interview does it indicate that "this team still doesn't know what their options are ..." or is "sitting around doing nothing."

I see a quote in the interview in which Hemsky is saying that he hasn't heard from Tambo on an extension, but I'm not quite sure how you could divine a lack-of-plan out from that on the Oilers' end of things.

Why can't the plan be this: See how Hemsky plays in the months and weeks leading up to the deadline and entertain offers at the deadline. If one knocks your socks off, great. If not, c'est la vie.

My guess is that you actually believe that Hemsky and his agent would seriously consider NOT testing the free agent market on July 1.

If so, then, well ... sigh.

Did Curtis Joseph teach you nothing? Or any of the other unrestricted free agents who said all the right things before the trade-deadline but signed with a new team at 12:01 a.m. on July 1?

I have no way of proving this, but I'm just going to go on a hunch and assert this anyway: Any offer that Tambo would make to extend Hemsky between now and Feb. 27 (or, if you like, between last fall's training camp and Feb. 27) would be received thusly by his agent: Thank you for this, Steve. We'll get back to you on July 1, yea or nay.

The far more efficient and prudent move for right now - Friday, Feb. 3 - is to let the player and the trade market do their thing.

But to misinterpret a lack of a contract offer as some sort of lack of plan, well, that's a little naive coming from a fan base that's been burned by plenty of unrestricteds over the years.

Or, I not "getting" something?

Give Hemmer a 2 year contract. At a fair price, keeping in mind we have to sign Hall and Ebs next year. If IF he can stay healthy in those 2 years sign him long term at a more cap friendly price. But if he spends a majority of those years on the IR, do we really need him going forward? The Oilers have to be fair to Hemmer as he has been the face of the franchise in some of our worst years, but Hemmer has to be fair to the Oilers too. Does he really think he should be paid top dollar to ride the pine all year?

We've been waiting for Hemsky to be the superstar winger for years. It's just not happening. He's got some moves for any team that hasn't figured out how to play him. After that it's "watch the play die on Hemmer's stick" night.

He's a good 2nd line winger, but he's looking for 1st line money. Forget it. That "value contract" that everyone applauded has turned out to be an overpayment.

So let me get this straight...Hemmer has played like crap or not played at all the last three years and we should be running to him on our knees offering him 4-5Million ???!! just because he was such a good trooper 4 years ago...isnt that how we ended up paying horcoff 5.5 million forever? Hemsky has shown through his play and his attitude that his days are done. What would that say to the young guys...oh you just have to stay here and like the city and you will get a guaranteed 4 million ...playing good is optional?

Stupid

I certainly think that Hemsky has top six talent. But if he really wants a contract or even an offer then he's really gotta play like it! I watch him and I don't see the effort or the intensity. Every hockey player, especially highly skilled players have scoring droughts. But when you're in these droughts put you're head down and do the hard work (work harder defensively, dig in the corners, got to the net and crash and bang, and in Hemsky's case, SHOOT when you're in position). I'm not doubting Hemsky's skill but what I do doubt is his effort, which if you look closely is something that stands out. This goes double for often injured players (which I believe applies to Hemsky). Whether he wants a contract or a trade he just needs to look more like he actually gives a s**t on the ice.

I disagree Jason, I realize he is a top 6 forward but I don't get the feeling he wants to be here, his game is very listless and lethargic and because he isn't the top dog on the PP, it shows. Just my thoughts

Per Twitter: TSNRyanRishaug: Contrary to Hemsky's comments today, sources tell TSN Oilers brass has touched base with his agent to gauge his interest in signing new deal

Well put, Gregor. Seems like a good time re-sign. Or, we could trade low instead of buying low!

The only worse thing than trading Hemsky for less than 75% of value is trading Gagner for less than 75% of value.

The only thing worse than trading these guys is not trading anyone.

Thus the conundrum for the management team. Do something and it's giving up and selling too low. Do nothing and we're sitting on our hands and kicking the rebuild down the road and becoming the Islanders.

So I do hope they have an actual plan to compete sometime soon (despite any inkling of that told to the fans) and make moves in accordance with that plan.

So where do we place value in Hemsky? I agree he is a top 6 foward, probably a first liner with proper linemates on most teams. Does his offensive numbers and contract probability outweigh what we could get for him? Is it realistic to think we can get a 1st or 2nd round pick and a top pairing Dman? To the right team, yes. Who are our current top 6 forwards (on a PPG ranking and keeping positions in check? RNH, Hall, Eberle, Gagner, Smyth and Hemsky. Hemsky just squeaks in #6 spot. Our next playes in line on wing are Jones, PRV and Omark. PRV and Omark also can be top 6, but not with a healthy Hemsky. So we have 8 quality skaters for 6 spots. So now what do you do? Do you try to roll with 3 good lines and hope we can get the contracts to fit, or trade? Lets make a trade. RNH, Hall and Ebs are untouchable, and that leaves Hemsky as our next biggest asset. Our biggest liability is Defense, with no elite level star. Can we find a deal to get us a top pairing Dman? If we can, I say trade Hemmer. Had he played consistently, injuries aside, I would srgue to keep him, but the cards are not stacked that way right now. Lets package him up, wipe our tears and send him away.

Couldn't agree more Jason. It's almost like because we have no playoff push to look forward to ever we need to get excited about other things like sell offs on trade deadline day and who can we get on draft day? Those are the big days for Oiler fans now sadly. So whether it's good or bad for the team going forward to move Hemsky Oiler fans just want something to be excited about. If the Oilers haven't spoken to Hemsky it should be the final nail in Tambellini's coffin in my opinion.

That's it... I'm putting "FSTNF!" back on my handle.

Memo to Katz: the culture change didn't go high enough up the ladder.

"Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I can't really talk about it because I haven't seen an offer yet." Translation: I will sign for here if I get offered a horcoff contract or I will wait until July 1.

Signing hemsky now for anything that isn't fairly cheap and short is bidding against themselves. Kinda like what happened with horcoff and everyone is super happy with how that worked.

Knowing this organization they will trade for another Nilson/Omarra/pick (if we are lucky) and then spend the summer searching for "transitional" players. I can't believe they haven't even talked to the guy to see where his mind is. Terrible. Before hearing this I was half convinced that Tambo et. al. were getting a bad rap. Not anymore. The management of this team have the easiest job in the world--do nothing and get paid--year after year.

How many decisions based on "feelings" work out?

Gregor's caller just said: "I just have feeling Hemksy will rebound elsewhere"

@ Jason Gregor

Just because no offers have been presented doesn't mean they don't know the ballpark of $$ and term that Hemsky is looking for.

No talk of substance sounds like no negotiations. If they are not close ideologically on term/$$ what is there to negotiate?

I agree replacing a top 6 forward is difficult, especially for the Oilers but what is even more difficult is living with another Shaun Horcoff contract!

What term and $$ value would you offer to him at this point? What term and $$ value do you think Hemsky would accept?

Late to the party and missed much of he talk on the show today. A couple of things strike me as (probably) obvious:

1. Ball is in Steve Tamballini's court. He needs to be the one to make the first move to Hemsky about a new contract. Hemmer can go to FA and see what is out there and then weigh coming back to Edmonton vs that. He is going to get offers. If ST isn't talking to Hemsky's agent in the next few weeks then he has already made the decision to trade him.

2. Related to above - you can't let assets walk without a return. If you make the offer and the Hemsky camp tells you they won't negotiate before trade deadline, then from a business POV you have to trade him.. The team is not making the playoffs, so there is very little upside to letting Hemsky play out the year on a nonplayoff team. As much as he might help with the performance down the stretch, that won't mean anything next year or the year after if he leaves in the off season. That is just the business side if hockey.

I really hope Hemsky stays, i think if he s willing to take on the role, he will be a great second line asset on this team moving forward and would shore up a lot of front end question marks to allow the team to focus on the D moving into next year.

Thanks for reading!

Someone's being played here and it certainly doesn't look to me like it's Oiler management. Would the Oilers let an asset like Hemsky walk without exploring every possible option? No. They're not in the business of letting value ride out of town for nothing in return.

This is just the "Exiting" Hemsky being Hemsky. Saying all the non confrontational things he has to so he doesn't rock the boat. Saying one thing and his actions certainly reveal a different story. He's just toying with the media here during these last possible moments. He wants to call his own shot July 1st and he's earned it, good for him. We can be thankful that he's not the best player in an Oiler jersey leaving town again like so many others (Weight,Guerin,Pronger,Comrie,Tikkanen,Kurri,Messier etc) one by one they all left leaving nothing but a decimated hockey club. Times are changing, 83 is leaving when the cupboards are still 3/4's full. Hemsky will be traded not because of Oiler inactivity but because of the Hemsky camp inactivity. He's closing the book on this Edmonton chapter of his career.

Oh I'm quite sure, actually, thank you for asking. And thank you for your kind compliment for my opinion.

Adding John Short to others who would cringe listening and reading you.

If they have confirmed this to you, I wonder why they haven't appeared on your program to say that?

Ricky Ray is going to hurt the Eskimo's and Hemsky will do the same if the Oilers don't make an effort to bring him back. All former Oiler's hurt the team when they come back, The guy is a talent and if Tambo loses him we are a one line team once again with no secondary scoring that will be looking to add a top 6 forward. The only way I trade him is for a player coming back that can step right in and help the Oilers, we have enough high end prospects we need some experienced players in return.

I like how people state if Hemsky will sign for 4-5 mill/yr then blah blah blah

His current salary this yr is 5 mill.

He is going to be an UFA. He is not going take a pay cut.

You need to start thinking in terms of 6 mill/yr (or more)

Maybe after watching how Hemsky has handled this and so many other situations over the last few years they have decide like Moreau and so many others he is part of the problem and not part of the solution.....Gagne has had the same trade talk swerling around him as Hemsky has all year and how did he handle it ? He went out and worked his butt of to show the management he wants to stay ....even getting into a fight in anahiem ...... who do I want on my team .........Gagne or a man that spends most of his time pouting ......yes you guessed it they want the Gagne's the Halls the Eberles who will go thru walls for each other and no tsit around and pout becasue you arn't getting the ice time you think you should be getting...YOU have been used by him and his agent

See Pajamah's comment #45 "Where were you" thread:

I just read the last 3 threads worth of comments, care to wager how many "Gagne" misspellings I saw...?? NONE Sammy, you've arrived

so... you're so enamored with the guy you can't bother to spell his name right? It's not a hard name to remember and he's only been on the team for what... 5 years now?

It is mindboggling that the Oilers haven't yet discussed term and salary range with Hemsky at this point in the season. I (wrongly) assumed that Hemsky was the reason for the delay in negotiations.

If I was Tambellini, I would be on the phone to Hemsky's agent asking for them to consider a 3-5 year contract around his current salary cap range (+/- 10% or so) or, if they want to shoot for an opportunity to have Hemsky firmly re-establish himself with a full season of play with the kids, a one year deal at his current cap salary.

I suspect that the Oilers don't know what to do with Hemsky and were playing "wait and see" with him so that they could assess his present health and whether they even needed Hemsky depending on the progress of the kids.

I haven't read nor heard of the oilers confirming or debunking the contract talk. Seems fishy !! www.hockeybuzz/oilersnation.net

I haven't read nor heard of the oilers confirming or debunking the contract talk. Seems fishy !! www.hockeybuzz/oilersnation.net

I haven't read nor heard of the oilers confirming or debunking the contract talk. Seems fishy !! www.hockeybuzz/oilersnation.net

Is it any wonder why no free agents want to come here.This management team is a big part of the problem.Tambellini should have at least sat down with Hemsky and his agent and heard what they had to say,this is a typical case of bad asset management.Souray was right when he complained about the way this team was run and what did we get for him? Tambellini and Renney must go!!!

I think the big assumption is on your part Jason, what fortune teller are you using that says Hemsky is going to come back & at the very least duplicate what he's done in the past? He hasn't shown anything to date this year & are the Oilers supposed to put the rebuild on hold for a year to give Ales his shot? Aren't the Oilers trying to get bigger with this rebuild, Hemmer doesn't fit the bill & has looked very tentative this year! My opinion is trade him, Omark can fill his boots a lot cheaper & probably the point total won't be too far off! What about Paajarvi, he scored the same points as Hemsky at the same age & if there's a player that deserves quality ice time to prove his talent it's Magnus! We know what Hemmer's about & I personally don't think the drive & durability is there to warrant a new contract with the Oilers!

There's no reasoning with haters dude. They're all especially pissed off today because they can't hate on Gagner for a while.

Hope they sign Hemmer.

Gagner has been a 40+ guy for 4 years in a row and Omark had 27 points in one partial season. They are not comparable without seeing Omark more and in no way can you say with 100% certainty that Omark could replace a healthy Hemsky.

Great article Jason, yet another reason that we as Tambellini haters can add to the pile of inexcusable dealings.

Id love to use this as fuel for the "Tambellini is useless" debate, but is there really a debate of how moronic this guy is anymore?

I never even wanted the Oilers to trade Hemsky he is a point a game player when healthy the key word is when he is healthy which doesn't seem to be too often but hopefully with the surgery he can regain what he used to be and stay healthy enough to make a difference , and I don't think we will get back anything but prospects and we have enough of those you need some veterans

Try a paragraph break once in awhile.

Who says it isn't a risk to re-sign Hemsky? I didn't hear that from Gregor. It's a risk to sign anybody to anything. The relevant question is which risk is a better bet:

1) trade Hemsky for something like the Penner trade last year and hope one or both of the prospects/picks turn into something down the line (3-5 years)

2) keep a consistent scorer who is coming off back-to-back injury savaged seasons and is playing a rough and tumble kind of season.

I agree with Gregor that the second bet is far safer. And I also agree that to cut your GM legs out from under you by simply ignoring one of the two options is criminal.

If you are going to play stats champion... try to do it honestly.

MPV stats last year 80 15-19-34 Hemsky rookie season 59 6-24-30

So by your tally "scored the same points" means scoring 4 more points in 21 more games??

There is good reason to assume MPV will become a legit LW and rack up points. BUT

that is no reason to throw away a top-6 RW.

You realize you actually need 6 players... and that means real NHL players. Omark may prove himself... but you don't option the farm on those odds... unless you have the gambler's twitch... in which case all you want is the sweet feeling of transactions (win or lose, who cares! make a deal!!! I'm thirsty!!)